The Beaujolais is Here!
This flight offers the opportunity to look at two versions of Gamay. The first is brand new Nouveau (is that redundant?) and the second is from the Cru Julienas. Domaine Manoir du Carra Beaujolais Villages Nouveau 2007 This is a textbook example of...
3 Looks at Burgundian Chardonnay
This flight features Chardonnay from 3 respected producers. There is an inexpensive Macon, a more formidable Puligny and lastly a Chablis with some age on it. Les Heritiers du Comte Lafon Macon 2006 This wine embodies the citrus side of Chardonnay...
The Other Grapes of Burgundy
Domaine Goisot Bourgogne Aligote 2004 An evolving nose and aging palate with nutty complexity and ample acidity. Eleve et mis en bouteilles par Anne et Arnaud Goisot in Saint-Bris-le-Vineux 12% $10.99 at K&L Domaine Goisot Saint-Bris 2004 Lots...
Start with an Aperitif
Kir This classic French aperitif was orginally made with the austere Aligote and the sweet Cassis, both from Burgundy. With the least expensive Bourgogne Aligote selling for $11 in San Francisco, however, it makes no sense to be a traditionalist....
Two Takes on Provence
Jade Mountain California La Provencale 2004 Previous notes show the wine as complex and oaky though the 2nd bottle earlier in the year seemed a little alcoholic. Tonight's bottle is very supple again and I don't think most people would notice the...
Brunier’s Satellite
Domaine Les Pallieres Gigondas 2003 This has been a consistent performer at a more affordable price than the well-made Brunier wines from CDP. The last bottle tasted earlier in 2007 was good again, but the tannic astringency at that time seemed out...
Remember White Bordeaux?
Chateau Guiraud Bordeaux Vin Blanc Sec 2005 The last bottle tasted in early 2007 was very fresh, combining high acid with depth of flavor. This bottle was on target again, with roundness to complement the acidity. Sourced from vines with an average...
Chenin Blanc in Evolution
Régis Cruchet Vouvray Sec 2005 The last bottle tasted earlier in the year was rather evolved yet still possessing the textbook acidity. Perhaps it was one bottle where the cork didn’t hold in the SO2 effectively. No, again we see this premature...
California and Burgundy Head-to-Head
Vincent Girardin Rully 1er Cru Les Cloux 2005 Very nice. Vinifié, élevé et mis en bouteille a Meursault 13.5% $24.99 at K&L Vincent Girardin .com Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay 2005 My notes from previous bottles of the 2004 and 2005...
Hungary Reigns
The previous tasting in the California and Europe class in San Francisco pitted Baumard against Oremus. Tonight's flight brings in a different top-flight producer, this time from Sauternes. Both the Raymond-Lafon and the Oremus will be tasted...